What must all fuel oil piping joints have to ensure they are leak-proof?

Fuel oil piping joints must have proper seals or welding to ensure they are leak-proof. This is crucial because the integrity of the joints plays a fundamental role in preventing leaks, which could lead to environmental hazards, safety issues, and compliance violations. Proper seals, such as gaskets or O-rings, create a tight barrier that prevents fuel oil from escaping. Similarly, welding ensures a solid bond between metal components, minimizing the risk of failure at the joint.

While options like regular maintenance, flexible couplings, and standardized materials are important in the overall context of fuel oil piping systems, they do not directly guarantee that the joints will be leak-proof on their own. Regular maintenance can help identify and rectify issues over time, flexible couplings may provide some level of movement without damaging the piping, and standardized materials can improve compatibility and reliability. However, it is the quality of the seals or the effectiveness of the welding that directly addresses the critical need for leak-proof joints in fuel oil piping systems.